How to Change TouchPad Sensitivity on a Toshiba Laptop

by James Crider

Changing the settings for the touchpad is a simple process.

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The touchpad on your Toshiba laptop replaces a standard computer mouse for pointer navigation within Windows. While touchpads generally aren't as precise as standard computer mice, it's possible to adjust the settings dialogue to increase or decrease the pad's sensitivity, This makes the movements of the cursor on the screen faster or slower in relation to the movement of your finger on the pad. Having a touchpad sensitivity that's comfortable for you will let you stay efficient while using your laptop.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 Instructions

Step 1

Turn on your computer, wait for it to boot up and log in. While the sensitivity of your touchpad may be uncomfortable, it isn't impossible to use. If you find the touchpad is too cumbersome, try plugging in an external USB mouse.

Step 2

Click the "Start" button, then click "Control Panel." Click "Hardware and Sound," then the blue "Mouse" link if you are using Category view. Click on the "Mouse" icon if you're using the icon view.

Step 3

Click the "Pointer Options" tab in the new window. Adjust the "pointer speed" slider in the section marked "Motion." If you want your cursor to move faster with shorter motions of your finger, slide adjust the slider to the right. If you want it to go slower, adjust the slider left.

Step 4

Click "OK." Use your finger on the touchpad to move the cursor around your computer's display. If the motion of the cursor is still too fast or too slow, click "Mouse" again, select the "Pointer Options" tab and try a different pointer speed. When you're finished, click "OK," then close the Control Panel.

Windows XP Instructions

Step 1

Turn on your computer, wait for it to boot up and log in. You can also use an external USB mouse with XP machines if you wish.

Step 2

Click the "Start" button, then click "Control Panel." Click the icon labeled "Mouse." (If you don't see the "Mouse" icon, click the text on the left marked "Classic View.")

Step 3

Click the "Pointer Options" tab in the new window. Adjust the "pointer speed" slider in the section marked "Motion." If you want your cursor to move faster with shorter motions of your finger, slide adjust the slider to the right. If you want it to go slower, adjust the slider left.

Step 4

Click "OK." Use your finger on the touchpad to move the cursor around your computer's display. If the motion of the cursor is still too fast or too slow, click "Mouse" again, select the "Pointer Options" tab and try a different pointer speed. When you're finished, click "OK," then close the Control Panel.

Tip

Changing your laptop's input settings by changing the screen resolution, using an external monitor or plugging in a mouse can change the pointer speed again. If this happens, repeat these steps until you're comfortable with the pointer speed.

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